Creating a Calming Oasis: Sensory Room Ideas for Autism

For autistic children, finding a peaceful space to unwind and regulate sensory stimuli is essential.

Once we had our son’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and he started therapy I jumped all in trying to learn everything I could. At this time he was doing sensory integration therapies (occupational therapy and speech therapy.) I would sit in his hour-long therapy sessions and take notes. Yes, with a pen and pad or I would use the notes app on my phone. One of the biggest things I wanted to do was recreate everything they were doing in therapy at home. So I knew I would need to start working on calming sensory room ideas for autism.

What is a sensory room for autism?

Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly is a sensory room?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a straightforward breakdown. In its essence, a sensory room serves as a safe environment for individuals with developmental disorders, a space where emotions find their balance and tranquility reigns. It’s their personal oasis, designed to cater to unique needs. But it’s not restricted to a sensory bedroom; your sensory space can be as expansive as an entire room or as cozy as a corner.

Imagine this: a nook in your home office or a slice of your bustling family room, transformed into a sensory sanctuary. That’s the beauty of it – it adapts to fit. And here’s a concept I’ve been exploring: the idea of mobility. In fact, Yes, you heard it right. Think of our son’s sensory space, ever on the move, journeying through our home based on where he’s most at ease.

How do sensory rooms help autism?

The benefits of a sensory room are abundant. For those with autism, sensory overload can be an everyday challenge. It offers my child a space to effectively handle his stress, allowing him to regain a sense of control over his surroundings. I can relate to the unease that arises when we feel powerless in our environment. Therefore, I can envision how the sensory room serves as a source of solace, potentially alleviating stress and anxiety, much like it does for me.

Whenever my son’s occupational therapist pulls out a new sensory toy or activity I immediately go to Amazon. I can usually find something comparable. One of the best things I have found is that even if I don’t find the exact same sensory items there is always a way to DIY whatever they are working on. One of my son’s favorite items is a “galaxy bottle” that he made during an OT session. They are also called “calm down bottles” and even though you can buy them online it’s also fun to make.

How do you make a calming room for autism?

In our household, having a designated sensory space has been a game-changer, especially considering our son’s sensory processing disorder (SPD). Being a bona fide sensory seeker, he’s in a perpetual quest for sensory input. Imagine his enthusiasm for activities like jumping, spinning, swinging, and the joy of crashing into pillows. This unique space isn’t just a physical area; it’s a haven where he finds solace and equilibrium. Whether it’s the unbridled joy of leaping on his trampoline or the satisfying crash into his pile of soft nuggets, this space is his sanctuary for emotional regulation. Consider it a relaxation chamber, uniquely tailored to his special needs, where every jump and spin serves as his personal relaxation therapy.

What are some calming sensory room ideas for autism?

Remember, every child is unique, so customize your sensory room based on their preferences and sensory experiences. The goal is to provide a safe and calming environment that supports sensory exploration and self-regulation. By incorporating any of these sensory room ideas, you’re creating a space where your child can find comfort, relaxation, and moments of peace.

Soft Lighting and Colors

Gentle lighting can work wonders in setting a tranquil mood. Additionally, consider using soft, warm lights or LED color-changing bulbs to create a serene atmosphere. Furthermore, opt for calming colors like blues, greens, and purples that promote relaxation.

Soft Lighting ideas:

• String Lights: Delicate fairy or string lights can provide a gentle and warm illumination that’s not too harsh on the eyes. They can be draped around the room or hung on walls for a comforting glow.
• Lava Lamps: The slow, mesmerizing movement of lava lamps can be captivating and soothing. Their soft, shifting colors are a great way to promote relaxation.
• Projector Lights: Projector lights that cast calming images or patterns on the walls and ceiling can create a serene atmosphere. Look for projectors with adjustable settings to control brightness and speed.
• Table Lamps with Dimmers: Opt for table lamps with dimmer switches so you can adjust the light intensity according to the mood and the child’s sensory needs.

Cozy Seating and Textures

Provide a range of seating options with various textures. When selecting seating and textures for a sensory room, it’s important to consider the individual’s sensory preferences and sensitivities. Some autistic kids might prefer soft and plush textures, while others might enjoy the tactile stimulation of more textured materials.

Cozy Seating Ideas:

• Bean Bag Chair: Bean bags provide soft and supportive seating that molds to the body’s shape. They offer a sense of security and comfort.
• Floor Pillows: Large floor cushions or crash pads can be arranged to create a cozy and inviting seating area. They’re perfect for lounging, reading, or just relaxing.
• Rocking Chair: A gentle rocking motion can be soothing for individuals with sensory needs. A rocking chair offers both physical comfort and a calming rhythmic movement.
• Sensory Swing: A hanging sensory swing can provide a unique seating experience, offering a gentle swaying motion that can be comforting and regulating.
• Cushioned Mats: Thick and padded mats or rugs offer a soft surface for sitting, lying down, or engaging in sensory activities like stretching and yoga.

Tactile Textures:

• Furry Fabrics: Faux fur or plush fabrics provide a tactile sensory experience. Incorporate them into seating covers, cushions, or blankets.
• Knit or Crocheted Blankets: Textured blankets made from soft yarns can offer a soothing sensory experience through touch and warmth.
• Velvet or Chenille: These materials have a soft, velvety texture that can be satisfying to touch and provide comfort.
• Weighted Blanket: Weighted blankets offer deep pressure stimulation, which can have a calming and grounding effect on individuals with sensory processing differences.
• Bumpy or Ribbed Surfaces: Seating with textured surfaces, such as ribbed cushions or mats, can offer tactile feedback that some individuals find comforting.
• Sensory Cushions: Some cushions are designed with sensory elements like textured surfaces, bumps, or small beads that provide tactile stimulation.

Sensory Wall Decor

Transform a wall into a sensory wonderland.

• Interactive Wall Panels: Create interactive wall panels that engage multiple senses. Attach items like textured fabrics, buttons, zippers, and hooks that individuals can manipulate and explore.
• Mirror Wall: Install a large mirror on one wall. Mirrors can reflect light, colors, and movements, adding visual interest and creating a feeling of spaciousness within the room.
• Bubble Wall: A bubble wall with gently moving bubbles can be visually captivating and provide a calming effect as individuals watch the bubbles rise and fall.
• Fiber Optic Lights: Hang fiber optic lights on the wall. These lights change colors and create a mesmerizing visual display that can be soothing to watch.
• Tactile Wall Hangings: Hang textured art pieces like woven tapestries, fabric wall hangings, or tactile sculptures that individuals can touch and interact with.
• Wall-Mounted Sensory Toys: Attach wall-mounted sensory toys such as fidget boards, spinning panels, or activity panels that encourage engagement and exploration.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Elements: Incorporate glow-in-the-dark stars, shapes, or designs on the walls. These elements can add a magical touch to the room, especially in low-light settings.
• Nature-Inspired Murals: Paint or wallpaper a mural depicting nature scenes, such as forests, oceans, or gardens. Nature-themed visuals can be calming and visually appealing.
• Soft Fabric Hangings: Hang soft fabric panels or curtains that individuals can interact with by touching and draping them.
• Chalkboard or Whiteboard Wall: Dedicate a section of the wall as a chalkboard or whiteboard. Individuals can draw, write, and erase to engage their creativity and fine motor skills.
• Vertical Garden: Install a vertical garden with live or artificial plants. The colors and textures of the plants can offer a soothing and visually pleasing experience.
• Sensory Wall Tiles: Use sensory wall tiles with different textures, patterns, and colors. These tiles can be rearranged to create various sensory patterns.

Calming Sounds

Remember that individual preferences for calming sounds can vary. Moreover, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of options and allow the individual to choose the sounds that resonate with them the most.

Nature Sounds:

• Gentle Rain: The sound of raindrops falling can be calming and provide a sense of coziness.
• Ocean Waves: The rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the shore can evoke a peaceful atmosphere.
• Forest Birds: Birdsongs from a forest setting can create a tranquil and natural ambiance.

White Noise:

• White noise machines emit a consistent, soothing sound that can help mask distracting noises and promote relaxation.
• Pink Noise: Similar to white noise, pink noise has a softer, more balanced frequency spectrum.

Wind Chimes:

Wind chimes produce delicate, tinkling sounds as they sway in the breeze, offering a serene auditory experience.

Instrumental Music:

• Soft Piano Melodies: Instrumental piano music can be gentle and emotionally resonant, promoting calmness.
• Ambient Synth: Ambient electronic music with soothing synthesizer tones can create an immersive and calming environment.

Chimes and Bells:

Chimes and bells produce gentle, tinkling sounds that add a touch of magic and tranquility to the space.

Water Sounds:

• Babbling Brook: The sound of a babbling brook can evoke feelings of being near a serene water source.
• Waterfall: The sound of water cascading down a waterfall can be both calming and refreshing.

Guided Relaxation:

Guided relaxation recordings with soft-spoken instructions can guide individuals through calming visualizations and breathing exercises.

Binaural Beats:

Binaural beats involve playing slightly different frequencies in each ear, leading to a perceived third tone that can promote relaxation and focus.

Whispers and ASMR:

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos with gentle whispers, tapping, and other soothing sounds can trigger pleasant tingling sensations.

Wind Rustling Through Trees:

The sound of wind rustling through trees can create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

Gentle Lullabies:

Soft, slow lullabies or lullaby-like melodies can evoke feelings of safety and comfort.

Crickets and Night Sounds:

Crickets chirping and other nighttime sounds can mimic a peaceful outdoor setting.

Tactile Activities

Some children may enjoy deep pressure and intense textures, while others may prefer gentle or soft materials. Be sure to supervise playtime and ensure that the materials used are safe and appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.

• Texture Wall Panels: Attach panels with different textures like fur, sandpaper, or fabrics for hands-on exploration.
• Sensory Bins: Fill bins with materials like rice, beans, or water beads for tactile exploration and scooping.
• Tactile Boards: Create boards with various textured materials that can be touched and rubbed.
• Squishy Mats: Mats filled with gel or foam provide a unique tactile experience when stepped or pressed upon.
• Soft Play Areas: Use soft foam shapes or cushions to create safe spaces for rolling, jumping, and lounging.
• Fidget Toys: Include items like stress balls, putty, or textured fidget toys that offer different tactile sensations.
• Sensory Balls: Bumpy, spiky, or textured balls can be rolled, squeezed, and bounced for tactile input.
• Tactile Wall Hangings: Attach fabric strips, ribbons, or textured materials to a wall for sensory exploration.
• Tactile Paths: Create paths with different textures like carpet, foam, or sandpaper for walking or crawling.
• Kinetic Sand: A moldable sand that holds its shape, providing a tactile experience similar to wet sand.

What are good room ideas for kids with autism?

Creating a sensory room isn’t about following strict rules, but rather tailoring it to fit your child’s unique needs and preferences. Think of it as a journey of discovery, where you learn from therapy sessions and identify the skills and goals you want to address. Slowly introduce elements into the space, adapting it over time as your child’s needs evolve. Our own sensory room is a living space, ever-changing as our son’s needs shift. At first, it was filled with various chewable items to satisfy his need for oral stimulation. However, as he’s grown, those preferences have transformed.

For me, this sensory room is akin to a safe space for my son. It’s his sanctuary, a safe place where he can truly be himself. Here, he gains mastery over his body and begins to comprehend the complexities of his emotions. Just as adults have their retreats, I believe every child deserves a place where they can find solace and a better understanding of themselves.

Through our journey, however, I’m slowly learning how to give my son what he needs to be the best possible version of himself. But I would love to hear any of your ideas!

Do you have any calming sensory room ideas for autism that you would like to pass along?

Kish

Here are a few of our favorite sensory items from Amazon:

Posted By: Kisha Gulley · In: Autism, Featured